Ye Olde Inn

Has anyone made custom inserts for our mercenary friends? For instance I was considering a spell book or staff for a spellcaster mercenary, however, of course, there could be all kinds.

I like how the designers made the mercenaries (man-at-arms) modular, and you could essentially use the same miniature for different types of warriors.

I just want to see more, of course!

If nothing else, this is at least a very good proposal for "the next project".

As I am swimming in Miniatures at the moment, my first impulse was to say why not using entire additional models for these mercenaries.
The distinct look of the mercenaries marks them on the game table like the silhouette of the normal models does. So these models are clearly distinguishable from both, the enemy models and the own heroes. This is a good argument for just adding weapon options instead entire models.

What would the skill of a magic user be? Using one spell set? Using a fixed spell set? I would add a fire spell mercenary without thinking, also an Air expert. Earth and Water is more difficult due to the healings. Who would they follow? Any model who pays or only the magic users?

I always had the feeling that mercenaries were there more for the wizard than for the others as option so he also knows where to spend his money and so that he can actively participate in the fighting. It fits with the introduction of additional spells in the WoM pack.

Though the Elf manages just fine, Mercenary armor is too heavy looking for a human spellcaster, in my opinion. Battle Masters, produced as a wargame contemporary of Hero Quest for the same market. It has a crew for the Mighty Cannon that sport an Empire Mercenary look. Perhaps either figure could be used, or both could be combined in a conversion.